I did a side by side test with Dawn and Coke on rusted t-rods and posted some pictures of the test in the forum someplace.

They both work well.. I liked the Dawn a little better. Some elbow grease is still required but I was really surprised how well they both worked. I just put the parts in the sink after a couple days of soaking and did them like the dishes with a nylon pot scrubber.

I use a brass golf club groove brush to clean threads.

I haven't tried the foil yet.. I have some rims to clean on an Acro so maybe I'll do a little foil cleaning photo essay. ;)

For T-rods, I also use 2-00 to 4-0000 steel wool and mineral oil, driving it with a nut driver on a screw gun. Run them in and out a few times, works really well, and leaves them lubed.

I'm going to try soaking my rims with dish soap and water. I have a rusty acro.

Evap-O-Rust has proven the most effective for me. The results have been incredible.

Vinegar will do all of the work for you. Soak parts in there and it works great. There is a restoration of an old Premier set on here where he shows before and after shots, and it is amazing!

I like this idea...might try that instead.

That advice stinks! (sorry - just could not resist!) I always use Dawn with great results. At the same time, consider using good old (and very inexpensive)

"Rust Remover and Chrome Polisher" by Turtle Wax. Despite the name, this is one product, comes in a green container, and is very inexpensive - like $3 or less. Use a non-abrasive clothe and it will remove any rust that has not been removed by the Dawn treatment. Note: I always use this product to polish after the Dawn treatment. I actually do the polishing, let it dry, then wipe off with dry clean clothe, in hopes of leaving some wax product on there for long term protection.

John

Ha! Well, stinky or not, I dug through the posts to find this restore project. This member did a great job on this restore/rebuild, and he has some before and after shots of rusty hardware. Check it out!!!

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=8208

Elbow grease is for the birds....

Why scrub when there are tons of rust eaters on the market...

I use the Royal Purple brand rust remover. Fill an old bowl with it, dump in some nasty ugly trash rust covered tension rods or mounting screws. Come back in the morning and rinse with water. They will look brand new with no work. Don't use on cast metal parts or nickle.

Dawn dish washing liquid soap works the best. Be careful if you use vinegar. If you soak too long it will destroy the parts.